Graduating class showered with awards

A celebratory moment for the Class of 2021. Photo courtesy Unforgettable Photos

Graduation is a time of excitement, relief, and anticipation for both seniors and their parents. Though it often seems unlikely that 13 years have passed by in a flash, graduation day officially marks that the time has certainly gone by and those little kindergarteners we shepherded off to school just the other day are now grown up.

One of the most exciting parts of the graduation ceremony is the announcement of special awards to members of the senior class. Many of these awards were also announced at Honors Night last week, but many were added surprises on graduation day.

"What a year! And what a generous community!" says MHS counselor Hollie Kolcz. Following are the many awards and scholarships that were presented to graduating seniors in the past week.

The Barry & Peggy Allen Vocational Training Scholarship was awarded to Patrick DeZwaan. The Barry & Peggy Allen Scholarships were also presented to Kayla Ridenour, Mykaela Zink, Jenna Dodak, Jessica Phillips, and Katelyn Blumenauer.

The Manchester American Legion Post 117 Scholarships were awarded to Cade VanBogelen, Patrick DeZwaan, and Liam Riley.

Manchester Athletic Boosters Scholarships were presented to Hayden Taylor, John Keast, Kayla Ridenour, and Kelsie Epperson; while the Josh McCalla Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Athletic Boosters, went to Cade VanBogelen.

The Manchester Community Scholarships, sponsored by Worth Repeating, were earned by Ryan Mann, Jessica Mann, Nathan Stace, Devin MacKenzie, and Carli Kerns. The Salutatorian scholarship, sponsored by the Manchester Community Scholarship Fund, was co-presented to Madison Vogel and Katelyn Blumenauer. Brooklyn Lyos was presented with the DIuble Family Vision Foundation scholarship, and the Grossman scholarship, awarded to the student with the most improved Grade Point Average during their high school career, was earned by Brendan Blossom.

The Robert J. and Kathleen H. Hagerman scholarship for outstanding community service, went to Patrick DeZwaan. The Lauren Huber memorial scholarship was presented to Kayla Ridenour; while the Kiwanis Key Club Scholarship was awarded to Jacob Mann.

Serenity Flint, Ryan Mann, Sarah O'Hotzke, and Nathan Stace earned scholarships from the RD Kleinschmidt, Inc. awards; Mykaela Zink, Jacob Mann, and Sarah O'Hotzke were awarded the Knights of Columbus scholarships; and The Lions Club of Manchester Health Career scholarship was presented to John Keast.

The "Make a Spark" scholarship, sponsored by Brian and Gretchen Barr, was awarded to Mya Enzer. Liam Riley and Andrew Corwin were presented with vocational scholarships from the Manchester Masons Lodge #148. The Mary Nosbisch Memorial Scholarship was presented to Mykaela Zink, Kayla Ridenour, and Patrick DeZwaan.

The Outstanding Student scholarship, sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Aaron LaRock, was awarded to Phoenix Waters. The Roofman USA scholarship went to Parker Tungate. The Luther & Barbara Schaible Agricultural Scholarship was presented to Patrick DeZwaan, while the the Schaibles' health-related scholarship award was given to John Keast.

The MSU Spartan Scholarship, sponsored by Carol Westfall and Lon Nordeen, was presented to Jacob Messman and Colbie Hayes. The Stand Up Spirit scholarship was earned by Mykaela Zink and Mallory DuRussel. The Manchester Community Schools Foundation student of the month scholarship winner was Patrick DeZwaan; while the Terry A Thompson Memorial Scholarship was presented to Jacob Miller.

Katelyn Blumenauer earned the Tower Scholarship; Phoenix Waters was the recipient of the Faith Vlcek Memorial Scholarship; the Lucille Williams Memorial Scholarship went to Mallory DuRussel and the Ray Wurster Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Katelyn Blumenauer.

In addition, the 10 Manchester High School Alumni Association Scholarships are detailed in a separate article.

Indeed, what a year. And what a day for Manchester students, teachers, administrators and parents. Congratulations to all ... the 2020-21 school year is officially a "wrap!"

Well, gang, that wraps up this mystery! Photo courtesy Unforgettable Photos.

The class of '21 proceeds on to the athletic field. Photo courtesy Unforgettable Photos

An emotional moment for Shane Schook and principal Eric McCalla. Photo courtesy Unforgettable Photos.

More of the processional as the Class of 2021 takes the field. Photo courtesy of Unforgettable Photos.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.